April 5, 2006- In the midst of selling our house (which might have foundation problems), a $1300 plumbing repair, our church’s building campaign, and being 8 months pregnant, I was reading 2 Samuel 22 and found many reminders and promises.

v.3-“My God is my rock, in whom I find protection”

v.7-“In my distress I cried out to the Lord…for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry reached His ears.”

v.26-“To the faithful You show Yourself faithful; to those with integrity You show integrity.”

v.31-“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true.”

v.33-“He makes my way perfect.”

June 5, 2006- With a one-month-old, a house we’d been in for 2 weeks full of boxes, etc., Jim and I were getting a little snippy. That day I read Job 40:8(God talking)-“Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right?” I realized that there wasn’t really a point in trying to prove that I am right to anyone- especially Jim. It’s argumentative, unproductive and unkind most of the time. That night, Jim and I had a good talk about the pressures we were dealing with.

July 4-6, 2006- We needed some new furniture, and having spent a lot paying for a baby and buying a new house, I was stressed about spending that much money. I was in Proverbs that week, and found these gems…

Prov. 10:16- “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives.”

Prov. 11:25- “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Prov. 12:14- “Hard work brings rewards.”

We bought the furniture!

August 16, 2006- I was asking forgiveness for ignoring my quiet time for weeks. Jeremiah 31:18-22 expressed my heart- “Turn me again to You and restore me… I turned away from God, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity!”

December 16, 2006- With a couple of wayward family members constantly on my mind, I read that day Hebrews 6: 4 & 6-“For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened…It is impossible to bring such people back.” BUT… I was reminded of a verse I had read a few months before, Luke 1:37-“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.”

December 20, 2006- When it rains it pours. Another family member was being unfairly stripped of their job, right before Christmas, and it was hurting deeply- financially and relationally. That day I prayed James 5:13, 16-18 for them and sent 1 Peter 1:6-7 to them-“There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine.”